Cleft Palate A cleft palate is a hole in either the hard and/or soft palate due to failure of these structures to fuse in the midline during fetal growth. This hole creates a connection (fistula) between the nose and mouth, allowing food to regurgitate through the nose, making feeding at times difficult. Specialty bottles and nipples are available to help your child feed normally prior to surgical repair (1 year of age). Surgical repair is delayed until one year to allow your child to grow, allowing a better chance of a successful repair. Most importantly, during the surgery, the muscle (levator palatini) is repaired, allowing for normal speech by sealing off the nose from the mouth during muscle contraction. Statistically, up to 20% of children require a secondary procedure to improve speech, when this muscle fails to work properly even after repair (VPI). Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
Read More » Cleft Rhinoplasty Clefting of the lip almost invariably involves the nose, where the rim of the nose is often malpositioned. In addition, the septum is often deviated causing obstruction and decreases passage of air through the nose. A remodeling of the tip of the nose (tip rhinoplasty) can be offered at any time to help improve the appearance. A full cleft septorhinoplasty is performed at skeletal maturity and involves correction of the complete deformity as well as the airway. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
Read More » Prominent Ear Large protruding ears can be a source of discomfort and teasing for children and adults. When discovered at birth, a small appliance can be fixed to hold the ear in an anatomic position in a process known as ear molding. The molding apparatus is usually worn for 4-6 weeks can possibly prevent the need for surgery. Otoplasty is a surgical option, which involves reshaping the cartilage of the ears to help approve the appearance. Sutures are placed internally to hold the new position and immediate results can be obtained. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia for children, and can be performed under local anesthesia for adults. A headband must be worn for 2-3 weeks post-operatively to help support the repair. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
Read More »Dr. Bastidas is a leader in pediatric and adult craniofacial, reconstructive and plastic surgery serving the New York region. He is an assistant professor at the North-Shore Long Island Jewish Health System and is affiliated with NSLIJ hospitals in Manhattan, Queens and Long Island. International and Nationwide referrals are accepted. Learn More About Why Dr. Bastidas is a Leader in Craniofacial Surgery For Pediatric or Adult Services, follow the links below. Pediatric Plastic Surgery Adult Plastic...
Read More » Branchial Cleft Branchial clefts/remnants are leftover structures from fetal development. These lesions may be found along a track from the ear to the lower jaw and neck. Surgical removal is advocated to reduce the risk of infection as well as improve the appearance. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
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